For a typical wedding, I would say this is bad. For them, I'm willing to consider that there are some things that need to be done differently just because it's in many ways a state occasion. They may need to invite, say, members of Parliament who by tradition wouldn't be included in the reception.

^I think it's because once Her Majesty shows up, it's back to being a state occasion. Not to mention that at her age, that would be a very long day - she may just flat not be up for all that.

I doubt those not invited to the official receptions are going to be left scrambling for a place to go after the ceremony. There will probably be dozens - if not hundreds - of private receptions held by various embassies, dignitaries, and officials for anyone who's invited to the ceremony.

I think the standards of etiquette for a royal wedding are more along the lines of those for a coronation or inauguration than would be applied to an ordinary couple.

Ah, well, I take my guidance from Miss Manners. From her Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavoir, page 609, ". . . social inviations are issued by the hosts . . . The bride's parents are usually the primary, and indeed the only, hosts of a wedding."

I guess the word "usually" could allow exceptions.

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Just because you're disappointed in me doesn't mean I did anything wrong.

I gather from reports in the media that the Queen and Prince Charles are paying for most of the wedding. Presumably the Queen is paying for the actual ceremony, hence her name went down as host.Plus, as others have said, she is the Queen, Britain's head of state- I guess the rules might be slightly different for her!

Ah, well, I take my guidance from Miss Manners. From her Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavoir, page 609, ". . . social inviations are issued by the hosts . . . The bride's parents are usually the primary, and indeed the only, hosts of a wedding."

I guess the word "usually" could allow exceptions.

Yes, the "usually" - or else motherless brides everywhere would not be allowed to have a wedding.